2022 Basic Allowance for Subsistence (BAS) Rates

Updated: December 24, 2022
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    The 2022 basic allowance for subsistence (BAS) rates will increase 5.3% from 2021’s rates for the U.S. Air Force, Army, Marines, Navy and Space Force, according to the U.S. Department of Defense.

    With the increase, enlisted members will receive $406.98 per month (a $20.48 increase), and officers will receive $280.29 per month (a $14.11 increase).

    The 2022 BAS rates take effect Jan. 1, 2022.

    See 2024 Basic Allowance for Subsistence (BAS) rates here.

    About Basic Allowance for Subsistence (BAS)

    Once a service member finishes their initial training, they are eligible for BAS. This is offered to help airmen, soldiers, Marines, sailors and guardians offset costs for groceries and food-related expenses.

    BAS does not directly compensate service providers. All meals, including those that are government-provided, must be paid for by the BAS recipient, who is compensated in their military pay. BAS supplements the military member’s food budget but does not fully offset such costs. However, some assignments may include additional consideration because of higher costs. In such cases, BAS may be complemented by a cost-of-living allowance (COLA).

    BAS is intended for service members and is not meant to offset meal costs for their families. 

    It is considered non-taxable income and can be found on your leave and earnings statement (LES) with other deductions and expenditures.

    BAS Versus BAS II

    Enlisted BAS II is a modified BAS rate for those who have made a permanent change of station (PCS) move to serve an unaccompanied tour and who are assigned to single/unaccompanied quarters. BAS II is paid when there are no adequate food storage or preparation facilities and a military dining facility or its equivalent is unavailable. 

    The BAS II rate is established at double the enlisted BAS rate. It must be authorized by the concerned service branch’s secretary.

    BAS Calculation

    The Department of Agriculture is responsible for evaluating current food costs and updating BAS rates to the appropriate amount in a given zip code based on such costs. That is a similar methodology to how the Basic Allowance For Housing is set. The major difference between the two? Dependents cannot draw BAS; the payment amount is established no matter how many dependents the service member has.

    BAS Restrictions

    Service members cannot be paid BAS under certain conditions, including but not limited to:

    • While in basic training
    • While in officer training, unless they have continuous prior enlisted service
    • When in an excess leave status
    • When absent without official leave (AWOL) for more than 24 hours, unless the absence is excused as unavoidable
    • While taking educational leave not exceeding two years

    Year Proposed Increase Actual Increase Enlisted Rate Officer Rate BAS II
    2022 5.30% 5.30% 406.98 280.29 813.96
    2021 3.30% 3.70% $386.50 $266.18 $773.00
    2020 2.40% .90% $372.71 $256.68 $745.42
    2019 3.40% 0% $369.39 $254.39 $738.78
    2018 3.40% .3% $369.39 $254.39 $738.78
    2017 3.40% 0% $368.29 $253.63 $738.78
    2016 3.40% 0.1% $368.29 $253.63 $736.58
    2015 3.40% 2.90% $367.92 $253.38 $735.84
    2014 3.40% 1.48% $357.55 $246.24 $715.10
    2013 3.40% 1.09% $352.27 $242.60 $704.54
    2012 3.40% 7.20% $348.44 $239.96 $696.88

    Written by Veteran.com Team